Workplace Conversations: “Not Myself Today” Activities in HR

This year, as part of our initiatives to talk about mental health and wellbeing (based on the 2014 Workplace Experiences Survey findings), UBC’s Human Resources department at the Vancouver campus took part in “Not Myself Today” Nov. 2-6. This campaign was offered through Thrive.

The Not Myself Today campaign focuses on connecting people to the topic of mental health in the workplace. It does so through a variety of activities that are easy to do and that help us better understand our own mental health, reduce stigma and to foster a safe, open and supportive work environment.

What We Did

The department selected four “Not Myself Today” activities to participate in the week of Nov. 2-6. HR staff were invited to find out their stress index, show their appreciation for a colleague, share their thoughts on different workplace scenarios, and express their daily mood. Keep reading to learn more about what we did.

What You Can Do

Thrive week is not the only time to focus on and talk about mental health and wellbeing. Let’s keep talking! Faculty and staff mental health & wellbeing resources are available on the HR website. If you’re interested in starting conversations in your workplace using the activities outlined below, visit the Not Myself Today website to learn more.

Please feel free to share how you’re encouraging conversations about mental health and wellbeing in your workplace at UBC by posting a comment below.

Catherine Pitman
Workplace Engagement Strategist

Activity 1: What’s Your Stress Index?

The “What’s Your Stress Index” helps you to self-assess your stress levels, and the Not Myself Today campaign provides resources to help individuals cope with stress. The test only takes about five minutes to complete.

My experience – Mélissa Lafrance – Health and Wellbeing Associate, Health, Wellbeing and Benefits:

“I completed the online survey to find out my stress index not only for a chance to win something (although that’s an added incentive ?) but mainly because I wanted to know what my stress levels were at the time. The survey took less than 5 minutes to complete and is very straightforward. I was surprised by some of the questions because I didn’t realize that stress could induce some of the behaviours outlined. I must say that I am more aware of these behaviours and taking some steps to help manage my daily stresses like introducing meditation in my lifestyle.”

Activity 2: I.O.U Some Gratitude

Showing your colleagues gratitude can help people feel good and foster a more positive workplace. During the Not Myself campaign, HR staff received an I.O.U. “gratitude” card to fill out and give to a colleague. You can create your own I.O .U. gratitude card on the Not Myself Today website.

My experience – Alex Bayne – Director, Workplace Learning and Engagement

“This morning I came into an office that was full of color and music. I was instantly reminded that today was no ordinary Monday in HR, it is THRIVE. As I write this post, it is noon and I have enjoyed the opportunity to weave thrive through the first part of the day. I checked out the mood buttons that were available in the office and landed on “thankful” and then took wired and turned it into tired after a weekend of painting, it appropriately fit my mood (see my pic). It was interesting how the buttons then formed the basis for a conversation in my first meeting of the day. We discussed how we could support each other’s resiliency. I left feeling more positive about the week ahead. Upon returning to my desk, I had an IOU gratitude note to fill out. Check out the selfie of me with my colleague Amy. Amy is an unsung hero in the department. You hear people across the department saying “I don’t know… Ask Amy” and I often do! So today my IOU gratitude went to Amy. Thanks Amy and thanks to all of my colleagues who are promoting thrive this week! “

Activity 3: Conversation Starter

HR staff participated in the daily Conversation Starter. During the Not Myself Today campaign, an example situation was posted in the HR office. Staff were invited to post a response indicating how they would respond and support their teams and colleagues in this difficult situation.

Activity 4: What’s Your Mood Today?

It’s okay to talk about our feelings and emotions at work (and not just the good stuff!). During the campaign, we offered buttons and stickers that HR staff could wear to share how they were feeling that day.